Product Liability

Product liability law is concerned with consumer protection and loss, injury and damage caused by manufacturers and producers of defective or dangerous products. Liability can be established at common law but it is more likely to attach under the Consumer Protection Act 1987. The Act applies to a wide ambit of products. Liability will attach where a defect exists such that the safety of the product is not such as persons generally are entitled to expect.

Product liability litigation can give rise to complex technical and scientific issues, as well as difficult legal questions. In the case of a widely used product, the potential liability may have significant commercial consequences.

In recent years, a significant volume of litigation has been raised alleging defects in medical devices, together with complaints from consumer groups and the possibility of litigation in respect of faulty products.

Members of Axiom have considerable experience acting for manufacturers in this important field.